Novemberrr
I don't feel like writing but I tell myself to do it anyway!! Also, PICTURES.
Hi! I’m feeling much better. But at the same time, I really want to read Brandon Sanderson’s “Wind & Truth”. On the other hand, I made a commitment to myself to write. So I’m writing.
The biggest highlight of my November 2024 is I went to Seoul again! Minho, a member of SHINee, was throwing his first solo concert ever. Of course I had to be there. I had no plans to fly to Seoul for the second time in a year, but this kind of occasion is exactly why I have a budget called “SHINee on Stage”. And so I flew. Thanks to Minho, I got to experience my first snow and winter ever.
Honestly, snow is kind of underwhelming. It’s literally just ice lol the cold weather though! I thought I was going to be frozen stiff, not being able to move or walk anywhere. Apparently it’s not so bad! Yes, it’s cold. I wore layers of clothing. But I enjoyed it! I looked cute and felt cozy. My initial plan was just to take the trains everywhere and stayed indoors, but I ended up walking to my destinations.
I enjoyed seeing people around me, my walking amongst them; some of them enjoying the snow. I liked feeling the cool air against my face. I didn’t even listen to music, because I was enjoying how relatively “noise-free” the streets of Seoul are. The cars weren’t loud, no one honked, and there was practically no motorcycles. And the colors. Oh my god, the natural color palette was ridiculous. The color harmony of this whole city is ridiculous.
I visited a couple of museums and spent hours there. I really, really enjoyed myself. I just walked around, got coffee, ate whatever smelled good on my long, long walk. I wasn’t rushing anywhere. I even went to the movies! I was just… living.
On the concert day, I went to Korea University. The concert venue was at its gym (this venue is so Minho-core, guys). While I was waiting for the concert to start, I saw students playing football and tennis. At first, I was baffled because it was cooold. But after watching them for a few minutes, I actually thought it’d be nice to run in this weather. I really miss running and can’t wait to put on my shoes again.
The concert itself was good! Minho performed with a live band from start to finish, which is such a treat because K-Pop tend to do mostly minus one. Minho’s whole solo schtick has been slow R&B, and the whole concert felt so romantic. It felt like a meet cute with a handsome, tall man; then you fall in love; go on romantic dates; argue the way couples do; then you make up. At that point, I finally understood what Minho’s solo project’s all about.
My heart swelled. I’m so proud of him. Sixteen years ago, Minho’s whole thing was just his face. People loved to mock him for being in SHINee “simply” because he’s pretty. Look at him now. He’s an actor and a solo singer. I’m so, so proud of him. And I’m so glad I decided to fly and share this very special moment with him. If he can do it, I can do it too!!
And the funny thing is, as the concert was ending, I realized something. Aku… puas. This year I’ve seen SHINee four times. I met them all half way. I went places and saw new things because of them. I’m fulfilled. I’m happy. I’m satisfied. I am secure in my identity as a SHINee World (what they call their fans), as a fangirl, and as a traveler. I really don’t have anything to prove anymore. Now I’d like to see more.
Suddenly I see options. Why don’t we travel to see film festivals around the world next? Let’s start with Busan and work our way up to Cannes? Maybe traveling to see museums would be great too. I never saw myself flying to the UK because I had no reason to go there, but today going to the British Museum sounds nice. Maybe in a few years I can go to the Louvre too.
(I still don’t have a reason to go to the US because I’m afraid of getting shot, but maybe one day. We’ll see.)
I’m telling you this because this is a fascinating character development that I never saw for myself. I never enjoyed traveling, but look at where we are now. Our capacity to change is Amazing. Look at the Wonderful things we can do once we let go of our burdens. I’m patting my own head for not giving up. Thank you, self.
I’d like to finish reading “Wind & Truth” now. See you at the big annual review at the end of the year!